A lot of people love Windows 7, but not all of them.There are a couple of different options if you want to go back.When your computer turns on, you can choose which one you want to use.Windows 7 can be installed inside a "virtual machine", which is a computer that runs on your desktop.You can use Windows 7 and Windows 8 on the same computer.If you want to go back to Windows 7, you can wipe out Windows 8.
Step 1: Start with Windows 7.
The boot manager in Windows 8 determines which operating system to load.If you want to dual-boot Windows 7 and Windows 8, you need to install Windows 8 first.
Step 2: Any important data should be backed up.
Before you install your two operating systems, you'll want to make sure that the data is safe.Anything on the disc will be wiped out by installing operating systems.Instructions on backing up your data can be found here.
Step 3: Start the installation.
If you want to start the Windows 7 installation process, you need to insert the DVD into your computer.Select "Custom (advanced)" as your installation type and follow the instructions until you get to "Where do you want to install Windows?"There is a screen.The installation process can be started by clicking here.
Step 4: You can create two different partition.
What location do you want to install Windows?You can format and create partition on the screen.A partition is a section of your drive that has its own drive letter.Each partition has its own hard drive.If you have two separate physical drives, you don't have to worry about Partition as you can install each operating system to its own drive.You can click on the "Drive options (advanced)" option.You should uninstall all of your existing partition.All of the space on your drive will be combined.Click "New" if you want to allocate the unallocated space.The size of the Windows 7 drive should be set.You'll use the partition later but creating it now makes things easier down the road.If you plan on installing a lot of programs, make sure each partition has at least 25 gigabytes of space.
Step 5: You should install Windows 7 on the first partition.
Follow the guide to finish the installation.
Step 6: After installing Windows 7, insert your Windows 8 disc.
You can install Windows 8 on the second partition once Windows 7 has been successfully installed.Instructions on installing Windows 8 can be found here.For the installation type, select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)".Make sure you choose the right partition in the "Where do you want to install Windows?"The screen has something on it.The one with Windows 7 will be marked "System" in the "Type" column.
Step 7: Go into Windows 8.
Your primary operating system will be set after you install Windows 8.If you don't select an operating system from the boot manager, it will start automatically.
Step 8: You can change your boot settings.
If you want to change the time that you have to select your option when the computer starts up, you can do that from within Windows 8.Click the Boot tab if you press Win+R, type msconfig, and enter.Click Set as Default if you want the operating system to automatically boot.You can change the time you have to select your operating system by changing the "Timeout" value.When you are happy with your changes, click Apply.
Step 9: You can download and install VirtualBox.
You can install Windows 7 on your computer with the help of this program.It's possible to boot up Windows 7 in a window while you're running Windows 8.The installation options can be left at their defaults by most users.You can get a free version of the program from virtualbox.org.This method is great for getting quick access to Windows 7 without having to restart, but graphic-intensive programs will not perform well on the virtual machine.
Step 10: Make sure you have enough space to install Windows 7.
You can create a virtual drive out of the free space on your hard drive with VirtualBox.If you want to be able to install programs on the operating system, you'll need at least 20 gigabytes of space.Make sure you leave enough space for Windows 8 programs and files.
Step 11: The "New" button is located at the top of the window.
The process for installing a new virtual operating system will begin with this.
Step 12: You can enter basic information for your virtual machine.
You will be asked to name the machine and then choose the operating system.The virtual machine can be named anything, but naming it "Windows 7" might be the most convenient.Pick "Microsoft Windows" as the type.Depending on the version you are installing, choose "Windows 7 (64 bit)".The Windows installation disc will tell you which version it is.You can't run a virtual machine on a computer.You can determine what version of the computer you have by clicking here.
Step 13: You can set the amount of memory you want to dedicate to the machine.
The amount of RAM installed on your computer is the only thing you can dedicate.It is recommended that you allocate at least half of your available RAM for good performance in Windows 7.If your regular operating system encounters errors when the virtual machine is running, don't allocate all of your RAM.
Step 14: Select the option to create a virtual hard drive.
This will begin the process of creating a new virtual drive.
Step 15: "VDI" is the hard drive file type.
If you know you'll need the hard drive image file for other programs, you can choose the appropriate file type, but most users can leave "VDI" selected.
Step 16: You can choose between a Dynamically allocated or Fixed size drive.
The choice is yours to make.The dynamic drive may take up less space on the computer than a fixed size drive.You need to set a maximum size if you select "Dynamic".
Step 17: Pick a location for the virtual drive.
The folder icon next to the drive name is where you want it saved.If you want to store your virtual machines on a storage drive, this is useful.
Step 18: The drive size or limit should be set.
Under the virtual drive name, you can set the size or limit.Make sure you have enough space to comfortably install Windows 7.
Step 19: Wait for the drive to be created.
It may take a while if you are creating a large drive.
Step 20: You can either download the Windows 7 ISO file or put the installation disc in the DVD drive.
It is possible to install Windows 7 from an ISO file.A valid product key is required.You'll most likely use an ISO if you bought Windows 7 from the Microsoft website.
Step 21: In the main window, choose your new virtual machine.
The main frame contains the details of the system.
Step 22: Click on the "Storage" part.
You can choose your installation disc or ISO from the Storage menu.
Step 23: You can choose the virtual CD/DVD drive.
"Empty" will likely be what it says.You can see the information and the attributes on the right.
Step 24: The small Disc button is located in the Attributes section.
How you want to load the installation disc is up to you.Pick the "Host Drive" if you have an installation disc in your computer.Your computer is referred to as a "Host".Select "Choose a virtual CD/DVD disk file" if you're installing from an ISO.You can find and select your ISO file with this open file browser.
Step 25: Start the virtual machine.
You can start the virtual machine once you have selected your installation media.Click "Start" if you want to start your Windows 7 virtual machine.A new window will open to show another computer.
Step 26: When prompted to start the installation, press a key.
You will see a message when you press a key on the keyboard.
Step 27: Follow the instructions to install Windows 7.
Installation will be the same as if you were installing it on a physical computer.Instructions on completing the Windows 7 installation can be found here.
Step 28: Start the machine.
If you have Windows 7 installed, you can start it at any time by opening VirtualBox, selecting your Windows7 virtual machine, and clicking Start.If you want to start the machine with a single click, you can right-click on the virtual machine in VirtualBox.
Step 29: It's a good idea to back up any important files.
If you replace Windows 8 with Windows 7 you will lose all of the data on your hard drive, so make sure you have everything you need backed up to a secure location.Instructions on how to quickly back up your files can be found here.
Step 30: You should insert the Windows 7 installation disc.
If you only have an ISO file, you will need to burn it to a DVD or create a backup drive.
Step 31: From your installation drive, boot your computer.
You can set your boot order in your computer's menu, which can be accessed when the computer boots up.The typical keys are F2, F10, F11, and Del.To change the order of your boot drives, navigate to the menu.The first boot device should be your installation drive.
Step 32: Go ahead and save your changes.
The setup process will begin when you press a key.
Step 33: Follow the instructions to begin the installation.
You will be asked to agree to the terms and license, as well as select language and input settings.
Step 34: Select the partition that you want to install.
The partition will be marked as "System" in the "Type" column.All of the data on the partition will be erased by installing over it.
Step 35: The installation procedure needs to be completed.
Follow the instructions to finish the installation.Instructions on completing the Windows 7 installation can be found here.